The simplicity of running a bath at home and taking 20mins to soak and relax often is too much to fit into our busy day and lifestyle. “We don’t have time”. So the concept of taking an hour and a half out of our day to “Float” for many of us would seem unnecessary and unrealistic.

Let me tell you now…it is not. It is the best thing you could possibly do for yourself this year.

Not often do we get the opportunity to actually float. 100% relaxed. 0% active. More often than not, when we are in water we are active, either showering or exercising. And because we are there for a purpose we don’t often stop and think about the sensation of the water on our body or the benefits of relaxing in water.

However there are many, and my appreciation for allowing myself to take time out of my day to escape my ‘To Do List’ was heightened when recently I visited Cloud 9 Float Club.

The Experience

From my first contact of making a booking, through to walking back out the door into the cold rainy evening, my experience was just as you would expect from a Therapy Centre aiming to provide the ultimate relaxation experience. Welcoming, easy and so relaxing.

From the moment I walked into reception I felt a sense of calm and tranquility. Whatever was on my mind was left at the door, because while in these four walls I didn’t need to concern myself with anything but me.

I was shown to a beautifully appointed private room and given a full brief about how to make the most of my Float, and then I was left to enjoy. After showering, I climbed into the Pod and closed the lid.
Yes, you are fully enclosed. Prior to going along for my session, I thought there is no way I would close the lid, that would be too claustrophobic! But this wasn’t the case. The Pod is roomy and comforting. So I lay down and starting floating. For the first 10mins gentle music played and during this time I found it hard to 100% let go and allow my body to simply float. I felt like I should be holding myself up or needed to tense my neck muscles to keep my head up, but I soon trusted that I didn’t need to do this – the water literally had my back.

As the music faded out, I choose to reach for the button to turn off the light. Plunging myself into complete darkness while inside a closed Pod wasn’t something I felt very comfortable about. But through the use of my breath and focusing my thoughts on the sensation of floating, I pushed any fear aside, knowing I was now embracing the full experience. Throughout the next 45mins my mind and body passed through different emotions, feelings, states of consciousness and thought patterns. And I simply let them come and go as I floated through ‘space’.

When the music faded back in to gently bring me back to Earth, I switched on the light and wiggled my fingers and toes to see if they were still attached! It may be hard to believe, but you actually become part of the water. With the only sensation of where my skin met the water, I felt around my face.

Once out of the Pod I had another shower, enjoying the beautiful skin products on offer, then got dressed and stepped out of my escape back into reality.

The Benefits

For the rest of the evening I literally felt on Cloud 9! Incredibly relaxed, and I noticed how soft my skin felt. But the benefits didn’t stop there. I slept like a baby that night, woke relaxed and calm the next morning with no sore muscles from my training session the day before, and had heightened focus and productivity towards my work. And even after a few days, I was still noticing all these things. From simply giving myself just 1.5hrs, I was enjoying many days (not just hours) of positives.

Spending an hour soaking in Epsom Salts is great way to recover from training; actively assisting the repairing of our muscles, flushing of toxins and reduction of inflammation. Plus the absorption of the salts is beautiful for our skin and our body as a whole, with amazing internal effects. It also reminds us that training isn’t just about being out ‘doing’, recovery is a vital component to achieving our fitness goals. I can also see this being a great place for developing mental skills and visualization techniques in preparation for an event.

Plus of course, it is so relaxing! And is great for lowering stress levels and providing clarity, putting everyday life back into perspective.

The Why

We expect a lot from our body and are often guilty of not always giving back what it deserves in order to allow us to continue enjoying life 100% healthy and at full speed.

There are many wellness opportunities, therapies and theories available to us in todays’ world, and we can’t try them all. However Floating Therapy is definitely one to consider. I’ve tried it for you and I highly recommend you make time one week to take 1.5hrs out for yourself to rest and repair.

When considering when to fit this into your day, choose a time of day that will allow you to fully relax. Carefully choose a time that means you aren’t rushing to or from the session, and if you don’t have anything pressing to do after the session, even better. This will allow your mind to truly escape, rather than be thinking about ‘all the other things you should be doing right now’.

This was my first float, but it won’t be my last. As a first time experience I was a little uncertain, didn’t know what to expect and wasn’t sure how I’d feel. But I loved it! So I want to go back so I can build on the first time benefits.

I get the feeling no two floats will be the same.

Penelope Watson
Team CP Coach
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Choosing the Velothon Sunshine Coast as my main event for 2017 was an awesome decision, for so many reasons.

The past five months have been filled with fun, satisfaction, adventures and gratitude, and I am still buzzing from the whole experience.

The Challenge was Superb!
Having never completed a stage race before this was an event that sat slightly outside my comfort zone. The km’s were long and the climbing was big, and while I had participated in events that included cycling, I hadn’t done a dedicated cycle event before. So when lining up on that start line, especially on Day One, I was feeling slightly nervous about the unknown…
Had I done enough? Where would I sit in the field? What was today really going to be like?!

However as soon as we set off, got into a rhythm and the km’s starting ticking over, the nerves disappeared and instead I was on a high. I was feeling confident and strong, I had completed the challenge of the training. Now I just wanted to enjoy the challenge of riding for three days in a row.

The Roads were Brilliant!
Each day provided something different. Day One for me provided the best views. I am so pleased I made sure I looked around and appreciated the scenery, because it was simply stunning. This is what I had trained hard for and I was feeling on top of the world.

Day Two was fast and furious, and fun! After so much climbing on Day One, the first half of Day Twos ride provided the opportunity to really spin the legs out and enjoy some fast bunch riding. And during the initial 60km of fast riding, and plenty of surging, I reflected on the training rides I had done at Winter Worlds, which had helped prepare me well for this morning. Also knocking off 90km in under 3hrs was a real highlight!

The final day presented the challenge of the Obi Obi – the much talked about and highly anticipated hill climb. And I am very proud to say I rode it! Despite rounding a corner and seeing about 10 people ahead of me pushing their bikes, I dug deep and kept turning those pedals. I drove this hill a couple of days prior so I could mentally prepare for the grind – this was the best decision. It allowed me to set a goal of where I wanted to get to at least before having stop (if necessary), which kept me pushing, and also meant I could break the hill down in my mind and complete it in sections. It was then the amazing support and motivation of the spectators at the top of the last pinch that saw me complete the climb!

Not only was the riding good, but the weather was amazing! Sunny days with beautiful temperatures and riding conditions, plus the beach right there to relax on before, during and after the event  – it was the perfect active winter escape.

The Glory was a Bonus!
For me this event was more about completing my first stage race and enjoying the challenge of a reasonably tough three days of riding, over what my result was.

However after checking out the results at the end of Day One, and seeing where I was sitting, my competitive streak was ignited and I had added motivation for the next two days, inspired to see if I could break into the Top 5 in my category. My final placing was 6^th in the Open Female category and 10^th Female Overall. And while I didn’t get inside the top 5, I did crack the top 10, a result I am absolutely thrilled with. This placing, completing the three days so strongly, plus riding the Obi Obi, was all the ‘glory’ I needed.

The Banter was Great!
This element of the event I was looking forward to, knowing that there was real potential for friendships to be made and a camaraderie developed that made the event even more special.

And I wasn’t disappointed; enjoying the friendliness of the riders, the welcome from the event staff and volunteers, and the overall relaxed vibe throughout the three days. While out on the roads, it was really enjoyable chatting to fellow riders and hearing about what had brought them to the event. Then relaxing in the bean bags back at the Clubhouse throughout the afternoon was a great way to chill out and recover. With the finish lines on Days One and Two being off site from the clubhouse area, it did mean this opportunity to chill out and mingle with others wasn’t fully embraced, which is unfortunate because the set up was fantastic. However Day Three did see all riders finish on location and the vibe and buzz was brilliant, as riders shared stories and celebrated their achievements. If this feeling and atmosphere can be captured on all three days next year, “The Banter” element will definitely come to life more.

It has now been three weeks since I crossed the finish line and I have really enjoyed some time off from training, and the opportunity to do some other activities that were pushed to the side while my focus on was 100% on my event.

I am really happy with where I have got to with my cycling now and am keen to continue to and maintain my current level of fitness, with a view to complete a couple of events between now and the end of the year.

This Velothon journey has been hugely satisfying and rewarding, developing me both personally and professionally. Now I look forward to what the next 6 months of training brings…

Penelope Watson
Team CP Coach
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So I will apologise now for the lengthy gaps between blogs,  I have no real excuse.  I had a good few weeks of training, although this weekend has definitely been the best, but I’ll get to that.  I think when I left off I was still recovering from a chest infection and we were about to start the school holidays.  The chest infection stuck around for quite some time and somewhere between then and now also developed a sinus infection, it is nice to say that after two rounds of antibiotics I am finally starting to feel my old self again.  I haven’t really felt like that since before radiation.

Anyway the holidays started off well with 2 mountain bike rides through Mcleans Island.  I am really enjoying the thrill of mountain biking, and although I think I am more of a natural road biker, mountain biking definitely has its place.  It has been great to train with my Spring Challenge team mates as well.  So far, touch wood, I havent fallen on my bike yet either.  During the first week we also managed a hike around Godley Heads, this was the  first time we, as a team of 3, had been altogether. It was great fun and we chatted the whole way round.  I was impressed at how well my lungs held up.  I was a little sore the next day however, which, I guess when you haven’t really done much for 10 weeks is to be expected.  It did feel good to be out training again.  The first week also consisted of short gym exercises and a  couple of wind training sessions. Great indoor exercises, consider how miserable the weather was.

The second week came round and I jet setted off to a warmer climate.  I headed to Sydney for a long overdue catch-up with my little sister, while there I managed to convince her to do the Challenge Wanaka with me, so this will become my focus after Spring Challenge.  I am really excited about this, as not only do I get to compete with my sister (who by the way is a great runner) I get to do the fun bits of the Challenge without having to train for the run! If you haven’t guessed I have a strong dislike of running, ironic considering how many half marathons Ive done.  I think I blame TeamCP for introducing me to other sports. Anyway, my sister is currently training for a half marathon in a few weeks so we went out for a few longer walks, I never noticed how hilly Sydney was until now!!!

So we are now into the first week back to school, I have almost finished my antibiotics and Im feeling the best I have felt in 12 weeks! I have managed to turn all my training peak exercises (training programme used) to green which is even more exciting. This week I’ve cycled, swam and hiked, with this weekend being the biggest weekend since April, according to strava.  Yesterday I did a 30km bike ride out to Sumner. I truly loved being back on the bike, and with no major breeze and a cool temperature it was ideal and today my Spring Challenge team bagged a couple of peaks.  We started at the bottom of the Mt Vernon track carpark and walked our way to the top (took the the obligatory photo) and then continued around the crater rim to sugar loaf and then down Harry Ells. Wow, we really do live in a beautiful part of the country! I had never walked the Mt Vernon track or that part of Crater rim, and both are stunning, with the views over the city and lyttelton breathtaking.

9 weeks till Spring Challenge and I have a lot to do. This week is similar to last week, and we have decided to try bowenvale track next week.  Im looking forward to it already.  PS I also had my first go at flipout, I think that is probably the hardest workout of the lot!

What event are your training for and what is your goal?
At the moment, Mt cook classic, South Island Masters and maybe Abel Tasman Challenge – still deciding. Oh, and club cycle races!

What it is your motivation for wanting to achieve this?
Bitten by the bug I’m afraid.

What is your background and how did you get into your sport? 
Background is not much sport as a teen, social runner and got into cycling through my kids

What is your favourite event/or training mission so far?
Le Race

Why?
I did it!

What is your favourite training ride/run/kayak/swim etc?
Summit Rd

Who is your inspiration?
My boys

Who is your biggest fan?
My husband

What is your favourite recovery food?
Beer. Sorry.

What event are your training for and what is your goal?
Huka Challenge MTB in Nov and C2C Longest Day in Feb are the main aims this year

What it is your motivation for wanting to achieve this?
Attempted the Huka Challenge a couple of years ago but event got shortened due to string winds – have always wanted to go back. Have completed C2C 4 times before in various categories (with 2 additional aborted attempts), first time was 1996, so been a long time fan of the race. Keen to make it 5 completed efforts and really keen to give the Longest day the best nudge I can with some coaching assistance this time around.

What is your background and how did you get into your sport?
Have been a keen multisporter ever since university days. Got into C2C when Dad was looking for a team mate to do the kayak (he thought he was too old to learn – then got the bug and learnt anyway!). Been hooked since then and really enjoyed being part of any event that is a little adventurous, including some adventure racing (24hrs only) & rogaining. More recently tried out triathlon, but more motivated by the off-road stuff.

What is your favourite event/or training mission so far?
Any trip or event that takes me into the backcountry and challenges me

Why?
It’s my happy place ?

What is your favourite training ride/run/kayak/swim etc?
Anything to do with my new MTB at the moment! Loving some of the runs with the Southern Trail Runners group too – nice people, and seem to be able to just keep cruising along with them.

Who is your inspiration?
My dad – age is no barrier and he’s determined to give anything a go and make the most of every effort.

Who is your biggest fan?
My hubby ?

Do you have an inspirational quote that you would like to share?
Not so much an inspirational quote as a mantra to live by…

The 5 simple rules of happiness:

1) Free your heart from hatred

2) Free your mind of worry

3) Live simply

4) Give more

5) Expect less

What is your favourite recovery food?
Fruit & yoghurt smoothie

What event are your training for and what is your goal?
Lots of events! Mt Cook, South Island Masters, Boulder Bay Classic, QT Half Marathon, Le Race and Graperide.

What it is your motivation for wanting to achieve this?
These are all just fun days out for me and give structure to my routine adventures (aka training).

What is your background and how did you get into your sport?
Not sporty at all. I have swum, run, skated, skiied, biked and hiked cos I love the outdoors.

What is your favourite event/or training mission so far?
I try to make my last mission my favourite everytime.

Why?
For me I love the process, I see each mission as an adventure and not training at all so I get to find something to love in each outing and it’s never dull or repetitive.

What is your favourite training ride/run/kayak/swim etc?
Usually the last one I did! But I love a hilltop with an epic view no matter how I got up there.

Who is your inspiration?
The Buddha

Who is your biggest fan?
My husband

Do you have an inspirational quote that you would like to share?
Ring the bells that still can ring,
Forget your perfect offering.

What is your favourite recovery food?
Fruit, dried or fresh!

What event are your training for and what is your goal?
Christchurch half marathon. Goal is a sub 1:30 in 2017

What it is your motivation for wanting to achieve this?
I’m competing with myself, I reckon that I’ve got some room to improve – it’s a stretch goal for me but worth giving it a really good shake.

What is your background and how did you get into your sport?
Prior to becoming a manager in the health system I was a laboratory scientist. My Masters work focused on insulin resistance and I still have some interest in how our bodies work. I also reckon that people working in the health system have a responsibility to take a lead and look after their wellness. Three years ago I was getting sick of the size of my belly and took up running to see what could be done about it. I found that my body remembered how to run – after lots of practice at high school. I’ve also found that now I’ve started I cannot stop – mastery of a simple task beckons.

What is your favourite event/or training mission so far?
Every run is my favourite – it is all about enjoying the moment.

Why?
An opportunity to test myself and feel the exhilaration of trying to do my best amongst a bunch of others doing the same.

What is your favourite training ride/run/kayak/swim etc?
Lately I’ve been regularly enjoying running up to and along the Summit Road. We are so lucky to have a flat city rimmed by such wonderful hills

What event are your training for and what is your goal?
Abel Tasman Cycle Challenge (yet to decide), Ride the Rakaia, Le Race.

What it is your motivation for wanting to achieve this?
Personal Goals.  It’s there to be done and improved upon

What is your background and how did you get into your sport?
What background….. I was useless at sport as a kid!  I got told off by Doctor who said I should be exercising more I took him seriously and tried cycling. After a false start I was encouraged by my neighbour to get back on the bike. The rest has been all CP’s fault.

What is your favourite event/or training mission so far?
Le Race and Sunday Group Rides

Why?
When you have ridden Le Race you really know you’ve achieved something. Sundays always bring something different Brett (and Richard) just seems to have the knack of pushing you far enough but not too far

What is your favourite training ride/run/kayak/swim etc?
Summit Road particularly up the B*****d

Who is your inspiration?
No one really but after joining CP there are plenty of very good riders who just inspire you by their help and encouragement

Who is your biggest fan?
It has to be my son Alex, He was great support on Le Race and is keen to ride.

Do you have an inspirational quote that you would like to share?
There are two types of people in life. Those who are going to, and those who have done it. It’s better to be in the ‘Done It” camp.

You’re better at this than you realise. [R Greer April 2016] I think that was the quote although I was breathing rather heavily after trying (and succeeding) to keep up with him

What is your favourite recovery food?
Reta’s Energy Balls. Beer, Chips in that order.

Any other comments?
CP has made my lovely wife a cycling widow. but she still encourages me, always.  As long as I have her support I can’t see me giving this up, although I might try other disciplines at some stage.